Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts, safely returned to Earth after its first test flight with a crew aboard was cut short by technical failures. The mission, which launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 5, faced multiple issues, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, ultimately leading NASA to deem it too risky to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home aboard the Starliner.
The capsule autonomously undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) and completed a six-hour journey back to Earth, landing in New Mexico’s White Sands Space Harbor on September 7. While NASA officials expressed relief at the successful landing, they acknowledged disappointment over the mission’s deviation from its original plan.
NASA’s Steve Stich, manager of the Commercial Crew Program, emphasized the mixed emotions, stating, “From a human perspective, all of us feel happy about the successful landing, but there’s a piece of us that wish it had gone as planned.”
The decision to use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the astronauts’ return has delayed their homecoming. Initially set for June, the new plan will see them return to Earth in February 2025. SpaceX’s next scheduled mission in late September will carry just two astronauts, leaving room for Wilmore and Williams.
Despite the setbacks, both astronauts have reportedly adjusted well to their extended stay on the ISS. Dana Weigel, ISS manager, noted that the crew had adapted to the extra time, with exercise programs in place to keep them healthy in the weightless environment. A resupply mission in July ensured they now have the personal gear needed for their unplanned eight-month mission.
Boeing, while not present at NASA’s post-landing briefing, released a statement recognizing the successful undocking and landing. The company will now review the flight data to determine the future of the Starliner program.
With NASA’s commitment to having two American spacecraft available for astronaut transport, Boeing’s success is crucial. Though this mission faced challenges, NASA remains confident that Starliner will eventually achieve full certification, supporting the agency’s goal of ending reliance on foreign spacecraft.